It seems as though we work, work and work more and our own tax dollars are going towards special interest groups and we all know who they are without dragging this out, I thought I would post that every true blooded American, especially the blue collar workers of today are in fact the backbone of America. Surely not Congress, Judges, Lawyers or Doctors. Not that they dont' have a place as long as they are in the right. Peace to all.

THE FOUNDATION: WORK

“Work as if you were to live 100 Years, Pray as if you were to die To-morrow.” —Benjamin Franklin

THE GIPPER

“It gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the working men and women of America on Labor Day. This occasion brings deserved attention to those who have toiled to build our nation and to shape a prosperous life out of the dreams of early immigrants. Today we recognize the honor and value of all work and the great distinction that flows from a job well done. From those who first carved a nation out of the wilderness to those who helped cross, settle and build this country, the working people have made immeasurable contributions to the advancement of our way of life. Through their spirit, minds, and muscles, America’s workers have created a modern industrial giant. They have sustained the traditional values of family, work, and neighborhood while serving as the bulwark of American democracy and lending support to the fundamental tenets of our free enterprise system.” —Ronald Reagan

INSIGHT

“The only freedom deserving the name, is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it. Each is the proper guardian of his own health, whether bodily, or mental and spiritual. Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest.” —John Stuart Mill

SELECT READER COMMENTS

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“‘Labor Day State of the Unions’ was an EXCELLENT commentary and perspective! I definitely passed this one on to all on my mailing list. I only added some personal comments about what Labor Unions have done to the Steel Industry and Auto Industry. The Steel Industry is virtually done, gone and over with, and the Auto Industry looks like it is going in the same direction.” —Rome, Georgia

“I am a loyal conservative and supporter of The Patriot, however, I have to differ with you on the subject of unions. My father retired from a large company (which is still in business) in 1976; it was the first year he made a five-figure salary. His union protected him many times. My husband’s job was saved when a younger, less-experienced ‘friend of the supervisor’ was selected over him. Our son has been able to make a good living for his family because of the union to which he belongs. I agree that unions aren’t all good, but neither are businesses. Perhaps if employers paid their employees a fair wage, we wouldn’t need unions. ‘Til then...” —Lawton, Oklahoma

“I completely agree with your article on unions in general and government unions in particular. I worked for the federal government for 21 years as a manager. It took me a full year of documentation, counseling, etc. to get rid of an incompetent employee. I received no support from our personnel officer or from my superiors. The union made veiled threats but did nothing because my case was indisputable and the employee knew it and did not try to dispute it. Still, it took one year to show him the door. Small wonder most supervisors and managers don’t make the effort to fire a person with career status.” —Grants Pass, Oregon

“We need to stop using the term ‘gun control.’ Call it what it is, ‘victim disarmament.’ The term gun control just plays into the hands the of the anti-gun crowd the same way our acceptance of the term ‘assault weapon’ has. Can anyone define exactly what an assault weapon is?” —San Antonio, Texas

“Fantastic site! I’m a Marine Corps Captain and I receive The Patriot Brief, Chronicle and Digest. It really keeps me going and gives me insight on what actions I need to take with public officials.” —MCAS Miramar, California

Editor’s Reply: Ooohrah! Semper Fi!

FAMILY

“Most married women are second-earners. That means their income is added to that of their husband’s, and thus taxed at his highest marginal rate. So the married woman working as a secretary keeps less of her paycheck than the single woman who does the exact same job. This is the ultimate in ‘inequality,’ yet Democrats constantly promote the very tax code that punishes married working women.” —Kim Strassel

CULTURE

“I would like to know the name of the buffoon who first decided that competition was a bad thing. Who was the silly goose who woke up one morning with the goofy notion that kids shouldn’t keep score in their games so that the members of the losing team wouldn’t suffer from low self-esteem? And what fathead decided that high schools shouldn’t have valedictorians because all the other seniors would feel like a bunch of underachievers? No doubt it was the same idiot who determined that a level playing field didn’t really mean equal opportunity, but equal results.” —Burt Prelutsky